Reblog: Becoming a Bestselling Fiction Author by Jennifer Ashley

I originally had a different post planned but I came across this post bestselling author Jennifer Ashley on how to become a bestselling author and I thought that was a lot more valuable than me rambling about the stupid snow storm.

How to Become a Bestselling Fiction AuthorBy Jennifer Ashley

Workshop, Glendale Chocolate Affair, Feb 2013

Tips to increasing the odds of sales, exposure, and bestsellerdom, regardless of whether you’re trad pubbed or self-pubbed

What this worshop is NOT about:

Marketing campaigns

Being a one-time blockbuster / flavor of the monthSocial networking yourself until everyone hates you, including your pets

Writing “what sells”Instead: How to build a successful career–writing books for a living

Theme; Revenge versus Forgiveness (Ben-Hur starts out driven by revenge on his ex-best friend; his encounters with Jesus teach him that revenge isn’t enough—forgiveness and love is necessary for a full life)

Outlander: “Time-travel and Scottish books sell!”

Theme: Woman torn between two worlds—where she thinks she belongs (the “right thing to do”) vs. following her heart

Trends die swiftly —> Themes endure

3. Consistency: Schedule; Packaging; Content

In our society, consistency is our best friend

Consistent Quality (don’t put huge effort into one book and blow off the others)

Releases out at a consistent pace (1 per month; 1 every 6 months; 1 per year)

Series vs standalone books (series are more popular, but standalones w/ related style can work)

Deliver series consistently—stick to what series is about

Consistent Packaging (find one cover look for a series and stick to it–same fonts at the very least!)

Give value for money–“cheap” should not mean a throwaway story or book.

Give your very best book, regardless of the book’s price or how much money you think you should make.